Time expressions

[SARDORBEK]

Dear ALAN!

In some grammar books I read that "nowadays", "at present" and "these days" are considered
keywords for Present Progressive Tense.
However, I often come across these word and phrases used with the Simple Present.

a) A lot of young people take drugs nowadays. (taken from "English Vocabulary in Use -
elementary - Felicity O'Dell)
b) A lot of people are taking drugs nowadays. (author - SardorBEK <--- that's, it is my edited
sentence) :-)
c) Diane doesn’t travel much these days. (taken from "English grammar in Use" 3-rd edition,
Raymond Murphy)
d) Diane isn't travelling much these days. (author - SardorBEK)

Are (a) and (b); (c) and (d) equal in meaning? And can I use "nowadays", "at present"
and "these days" in Simple Present keeping correct grammar and meaning?

Thanks a lot.

[Alan]

Yes, as your examples indicate, it is quite possible to use these expression in combination with the present simple.